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Monday, April 15, 2013

You've booked your session and now I bet the first thing that popped into your head is, "What do we wear?!" It's an important question. I thought I'd take the time to try and give some tips to help guide you to choosing the perfect ensemble.

Make sure you're comfortable! You're probably going to be doing a lot of getting up and down. Sitting, standing, laying, headstands, cartwheels, all that. You want to make sure you're comfortable in what you're wearing. If it feels too tight, it will photograph that way. If you're not comfortable, you'll photograph that way.

Coordinate colors. If you are trying to choose outfits for an engagement or family session, choose outfits with a few colors that coordinate and compliment one another. Avoid matchy outfits. You want to compliment each other without losing your individuality. Try to avoid large logos or writing, but don't be afraid of patterns (in moderation) and colors. I would recommend not choosing more than 3 colors (not including neutrals). It's true that dark colors are more slimming, but I personally think that black doesn't photograph that well. Don't be afraid of color!

Layer!! Layers look great in photos! They add texture and interest! You can layer with shirts, sweaters, scarves, vests, jackets, jewelry, ect.

Keep your location in mind. Try to coordinate with the location and season.

Don't forget about shoes! Your shoes matter and can definitely be a distraction if they don't go with the rest of your outfit/s or the feel of the session.

Take a picture. If you have a few different things you're considering try taking a picture of all the outfits together. Lay them down on the bed or floor and take a picture of them next to each other to see how they look.

Don't be afraid to let the kids choose. If you're having family pictures taken, don't be afraid to let the kids choose their outfits! Pick out a few outfits that you'd like them to wear and then let them choose their favorite.

Bring props! Does your son have a superhero cape? Bring it! Do you have a memento your grandmother gave you that means the world to you? Bring it! The absolute best props are the ones that mean the most to you. Do you want a theme to your session? Bring things that reflect the feeling you want to convey and tell your photographer so they can help.

Ask your photographer. Take some pictures of some potential outfits and send them to your photographer for their input! I love to help give feedback as much as I can.

Bring more than one outfit. Bring another outfit to switch up the look of your images. If you don't want to bring another outfit, bring different accessories or subtle props to give your images a different feel.

Avoid bright white socks. You may be sitting where your pants come up just a little. You don't want your socks to be distracting.

Don't forget about your hands. Your hands will be seen in your pictures. Especially if they're engagement pictures.

Wear the outfit a few times. If you're planning on going shopping for your session, go a few weeks in advance and wear the outfit a few times. That way you'll know if you really like the outfit before you wear it to the session and you'll know if you're comfortable in it. Imagine putting on the brand new outfit you bought for your session the morning of and HATING it.

Bring walking shoes. We'll probably be doing some walking depending on where your location is. If you're wearing heels or something uncomfortable, make sure to bring something like flip flops to wear in between pictures.

BE YOURSELF and have FUN! All of these things in mind, the most important thing is to be yourself! Don't go and buy an outfit that you'll never wear again. You'll look back on your pictures someday and wonder what you were thinking. You want your pictures to be natural and capture you the way you are, not the way you happened to dress that particular day for the pictures. Wear clothes that are you and bring out your personality.

I also recommend if you're going to get a hair cut before your session to do it at least a week before so it has time to grow a little and look more natural.

I could probably go on forever thinking of small little things, but hopefully this at least gives you some ideas and things to think about. And never be afraid to ask! :)

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Kristin got in touch with me to take pictures for her to take some graduation pictures. I was especially excited because she's graduating from my alma mater, Pitt State! Go'Rillas!! :)

That day called for winds up to 29 mph. When I was outside it was constant wind. When I went back inside because I could barely stand without almost getting blown over, I stared out the window to see constant wind. I have to admit, I was worried. I really thought once we started we would have to stop and reschedule. Luckily, the wind started to calm down JUST in time. Thank goodness!!

We met on campus and got some GREAT images. I mean, seriously. Look at those eyes! And that smile! Kristin was a pro and so, so sweet and fun! I am so happy I could capture images for her in such an important time of her life! Congratulations, Kristin!! Once a Gorilla, always a Gorilla, eh? :)

Be sure and leave a comment telling Kristin how absolutely gorgeous she is!!